Saad.

DEARBORN — On Wednesday, July 9, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office announced that it was amending charges against Bassel Abdul-Amir Saad to second-degree murder, in connection with the death of John Bieniewicz, a referee Saad allegedly punched during a soccer game on June 29.

Saad, 36, had originally been charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm and had turned himself in to the Livonia Police Department one day after the incident, which took place at Mies Park. At the time, Bieniewicz, 44, was still in critical condition. 

Saad was participating in the soccer game when Bieniewicz ejected him, according to an announcement from Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Maria Miller. Saad was visibly upset and punched Bieniewicz in the head. Local bystanders attempted to perform CPR on Bieniewicz while authorities were notified. Saad had fled the scene with an acquaintance. 

Saad was arraigned on the amended charges on July 10 before Judge Kathleen McCann at 16th District Court in Livonia. The preliminary examination, originally scheduled for that date, was adjourned and a new date was set for July 30 at 1 p.m. Bieniewicz’s medical exam is expected to e completed by then. 

Bieniewicz leaves behind a wife and two children. His family has received an outpouring of community support. His friends have created the website JohnBieniewiczMemorial.com, which links to a GoFundMe site established to help with funeral and expenses and to help Bieniewicz’s children. So far, more than 1,000 people have donated money to the family.

This week, Ali Hammoud took over as the defense attorney for Saad, replacing Attorney Brian Berry. Saad pled not guily on the second degree murder charges. 

Saad is also a father of two and is a green card holder.  Friends and fellow team players say he’s never had a history of violence while playing the game.